To apply for a Vietnam e-visa, US citizens need a biometric passport valid for at least six months, a passport-style photo, and a scanned passport data page. The e-visa costs $25 for single entry or $50 for multiple entry and is valid for up to 90 days.
Processing takes approximately three working days through the online immigration portal. Applicants must upload a digital portrait photograph with a white background and a clear scan of their passport information page, ensuring all data matches their travel document exactly.
Proper preparation of these files is crucial, as the visa fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. Using the correct government portal and avoiding common technical errors will streamline the approval process.
Required Documents for a Vietnam E-Visa
The Vietnam e-visa document requirements encompass three core components: a biometric passport data page, a compliant digital photograph, and confirmed payment readiness. US citizens preparing a Vietnam e-visa application must compile the following mandatory paperwork before initiating the online submission:
- Valid biometric passport – at least 6 months validity from the expected date of entry, with one blank page for the entry stamp; temporary passports and e-passports are not accepted.
- Passport-style portrait photo – 4×6 cm, white background, no eyeglasses, no hats, .jpg or.jpeg format, file size under 2 MB, taken within the last 6 months.
- Scanned passport data page – .jpg or.jpeg format, only the personal data page, clear and uncropped, ICAO lines fully visible and glare-free.
The Vietnam e-visa document requirements enforce a strict name matching rule: the full name entered in the application must exactly match the ICAO line printed on the passport, including surname, middle name, and given name in the original order.
Passport Validity Rules for US Citizens
US passports must remain valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of entry into Vietnam. Applications submitted with passports expiring sooner are automatically rejected by the system. At least one blank page is required for the border entry stamp.
Photo and Passport Scan Specifications
The digital portrait photograph must measure 4×6 cm with a plain white background, a neutral expression, no eyeglasses, and no headwear, saved as .jpg or.jpeg under 2 MB. The scanned passport information page must be uncropped, fully visible, and glare-free so that the ICAO MRZ lines remain machine-readable.
Step-by-Step E-Visa Application Process in 2026
Applicants must submit personal data, upload required documents, and pay the fee on the immigration portal to receive an application reference identifier. The Vietnam e-visa application follows a structured four-step sequence through the online immigration portal at evisa.gov.vn.
- Access the portal: Visit evisa.gov.vn and select “For foreigners – Electronic visa application.” Avoid unverified third-party websites.
- Complete the form: Enter full name, gender, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issue/expiration date, purpose of entry, expected arrival date, port of entry, and place of stay. Upload 1 portrait photo and the scanned passport information page.
- Pay the fee: Use the electronic payment gateway (Visa, MasterCard, JCB). You receive an Application Code as your reference identifier.
- Track and download: Check status at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using Application Code, email, and date of birth. Download the PDF and print a hard copy.
How to Scan and Upload Your Passport Data Page
Place the passport flat on a dark surface under indirect daylight or a diffused lamp. Hold the camera directly above to capture all four corners. The Vietnam e-visa document requirements demand a glare-free, uncropped image where the ICAO MRZ lines remain fully legible. Save as .jpg or.jpeg.
Applying for Minors and Families
Each family member, including infants, needs a separate Vietnam e-visa application with their own valid passport and photo. A digital signature or authorization letter may be required for third-party submissions on behalf of minors.
E-Visa Fees and Validity Periods
The Vietnam e-visa costs USD 25 for single-entry or USD 50 for multiple-entry, with a maximum validity of 90 days. Processing takes three working days from receipt of a complete application. The fee is non-refundable if the application is refused. US citizens have no visa exemption and must obtain a Vietnam e-visa before travel. The visa is accepted at 42 designated international border gates, including all international airports – not the outdated 30-day validity or 33-port figures from pre-August 2023 sources.
| Entry Type | Fee | Maximum Validity | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry | USD 25 | 90 days | 3 working days |
| Multiple-entry | USD 50 | 90 days | 3 working days |
Accepted Payment Methods and Troubleshooting
The Vietnam e-visa payment gateway accepts Visa, MasterCard, and JCB international cards. US-issued cards are frequently declined due to international security blocks – call your bank beforehand to authorize the transaction. If the first card fails, try an alternative card and check for foreign transaction fees.
How to Track Your Application Status
Track your Vietnam e-visa at evisa.gov.vn/e-visa/search using your Application Code, registered email, and date of birth. Possible statuses: “Under processing,” “Approved,” or “Rejected.” The system may also request additional information. Approval notifications and the PDF visa are sent to your registered email.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Application
Common Vietnam e-visa rejection causes include passport scan glare, JPG compression artifacts, middle name mismatches with the ICAO line, and using unverified third-party portals. The Vietnam e-visa document requirements enforce strict validation rules, and applications fail most often due to preventable technical errors rather than eligibility issues.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Match full name exactly to ICAO line | Omit middle name or rearrange name order |
| Scan passport in flat, even lighting | Use camera flash causing glare on bio page |
| Save photo as.jpg/.jpeg under 2MB | Upload PDF or PNG files for the portrait |
| Use evisa.gov.vn exclusively | Use third-party “visa services” charging extra fees |
| Verify passport has 6+ months validity | Apply with a passport expiring in 4 months |
Pro Tips for Perfect Document Uploads
Place the passport flat on a dark surface under indirect daylight. Hold the camera directly above, ensuring all four corners are visible. Crop to the personal data page only and compress the JPG to under 2MB while keeping ICAO MRZ lines legible at approximately 150 DPI.
What to Do if Your E-Visa is Rejected or Contains Errors
There is no edit button for an approved Vietnam e-visa. A typo in name, passport number, or date of birth requires a completely new application with a new fee payment. If rejected, reapply with corrected documents – the fee from the rejected application is non-refundable.
FAQ
What documents are needed for a Vietnam e-visa?
Applicants must provide a biometric passport valid for at least six months with one blank page, a recent digital portrait photograph, a scanned image of the passport information page, and a payment method for the visa fee. The photograph must be 4×6 cm with a white background, no eyeglasses, and saved as a.jpg or.jpeg file under 2MB.
How long does it take to process a Vietnam e-visa in 2026?
The standard processing time is three working days from the receipt of a complete and valid application. In practice, it can take up to six working days. Travelers are advised to submit their applications at least 10 days prior to their intended date of entry to Vietnam.
Can I enter Vietnam with an e-visa at any border crossing?
No, the Vietnam e-visa is only accepted at 42 designated international border gates, which include all international airports. Travelers must verify that their intended port of entry is on this list before applying. Airport authorities and airlines routinely check passports on domestic flights as well.
What happens if I make a typo on my Vietnam e-visa application?
There is no edit button for approved Vietnam e-visas. If you made a typo such as a wrong passport number or date of birth, you must submit a completely new application and pay the fee again. Always double-check your entries against your passport before submitting.
Is the Vietnam e-visa fee refundable if my application is rejected?
No, the e-visa fee is not refunded if the application is refused. This policy applies universally to all refusals, regardless of the reason. Applicants must ensure their application dossier is complete and accurate to avoid losing the USD 25 or USD 50 government fee.
Do US citizens need a visa for Vietnam in 2026?
Yes, US citizens require a visa to enter Vietnam and do not have a visa exemption. The Vietnam e-visa is available for tourism, business, and other lawful purposes. It does not authorize any paid or voluntary work, which requires a separate work permit.
Can I extend my Vietnam e-visa once I am in the country?
No, automatic extensions are not available for the Vietnam e-visa. Travelers wishing to extend their stay must contact the nearest Vietnamese immigration office in-country to initiate separate administrative paperwork. Overstaying a Vietnam e-visa results in deportation penalties and legal consequences.
What are the exact photo dimensions for a Vietnam e-visa?
The required digital portrait photograph must be exactly 4×6 cm. It must be a recent color photo taken within the last six months, featuring a frontal view with a white background. Hats and eyeglasses are not allowed. The file must be in.jpg or.jpeg format and under 2MB.
